Spanish star David Villa 'can make Australia stronger'

By
ANGELA HABASHY

On the day he dismantled the Socceroos, Spain's star striker David Villa has been touted as someone who can make them stronger.

A-League-bound David Villa opens the scoring for Spain, who beat the Socceroos 3-0 on Tuesday. Picture: AFP

WORLD CUP 2014

On the day he dismantled the Socceroos, Spain's star striker David Villa has been touted as someone who can make them stronger.

Named man of the match after opening the scoring in Spain's 3-0 win, A-League-bound Villa showed Australian fans what they can expect during his guest stint at Melbourne City when the season kicks off in October.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said with the likes of Mat McKay, Matthew Spiranovic and Adam Taggart plying their trade domestically, Villa's presence will only serve to make Australia a better side.

"In our starting line-up we had three players who come from our domestic competition, that is a massive step up," Postecoglou said.

"If we can keep increasing the level of competitiveness in our local competition, and certainly players like David Villa will add to that, then it just means our national team will become stronger as well."

But while most Australians can't wait to have Spain's all-time leading goal-scorer on their shores, heading Down Under appears to be the furthest thing from Villa's mind.

Asked what he plans to do now Spain have exited the tournament early, Villa completely bypassed his 10-game guest stint at Melbourne City saying he'd have some time off before linking up with his new MLS club New York City next year.

"This is the end of our participation in this World Cup. I have decided to go to the MLS so I will spend certain months resting and recovering," he said.

Defender Ryan McGowan got a taste of what A-League defenders will be up against marking Villa.

Playing at right-back, McGowan was handed the unenviable task of stopping the prolific striker who had him under the pump from the opening whistle.

"Villa was very good and he's played in that position all his career and scores goals," McGowan said.